History of Paarl

Province: Western Cape
Coordinates: 33.7342° S, 18.9621° E
Area: 64.61 km2
Municipality; Drakenstein

The area now known as Paarl was inhabited by the Khoekhoe, Khoikhoi, and Cochoqua people who were cattle herders. The early settlers traded meat with these indigenous tribes. While searching for trading opportunities Abraham Gabemma came across the large monolith now called Paarl Rock, glistening in the sunshine after rain. He called it De Diamond en De Peerlberg (Diamond and Pearl Mountain. Later the name was shortened to Pearl Rock or Pearl Mountain) The Khoi called it Tortoise mountain. In 1687 Simon Van Der Stell gave farms to “Free Burgers”. When the Huguenots arrived, many settled in this area. The fertile soil and the climate which was similar to that in the Mediterranean were ideal for planting fruit trees and grapevines.

The most significant conflict the settlers had with the indigenous people was with regard to property ownership. The Khoikhoi had no concept of this. Sadly many of the Khoikhoi people died from European diseases such as Smallpox.

The railway from Cape Town reached Paarl in the 1860s. The town had earned a reputation for industry and had a reputation as a place where the best wagons and carts were made.

The town has a 10 km long Main road lined with oak trees. Paarl is known also for excellent schools and colleges.

The license plate prefix for Paarl is CJ. The postcodes in Paarl are 7646 (Streets) and 7620 (Boxes)

Weather in Paarl today

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Things to do and see around Paarl

Miaspoort Trail (Italian cross)
Du Toits kloof pass
Taal monument
Taal monument pass
Paarl is the starting point for the Berg River canoe marathon
Fullmoon picnics Paarl: At the Taal monument on the evening of the full moon from November to April, picnics are very popular with local residents and tourists.17:00 and 22:00. Ph:021 863-0543 / 021 863-4809
At the foot of Paarl Mountain, beneath the Afrikaans Language Monument, is a monument to the struggle of the Cape Afrikaner who actively supported, or was sympathetic to, the Transvaal and Free State republics in the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).
Take a guided walking tour Paarl Heritage Trail
Parkrun: Join us for a free, timed 5km run/walk at 08:00 every Saturday. Paarl Arboretum, entrance at Klein 083 226 7806

Useful Numbers of Paarl

Police: 021 807 4000
Traffic department: 021 807 6284
Fire: 021 872 2323
Water: 021 807 4715
Electricity: 021 807 4665
Ambulance: 10177
Post office; 021 872 5791
Closest hospital; Paarl Provincial Hospital 021 860 2500
Library: Paarl public library 021 807 2215
Groot Drakenstein cultural centre: 021 874 1408
Paarl town hall Main Street (073) 065 1257/(021) 807 6436
Huguenot Community Hall Jan Van Riebeeck and Abbatoir Street, Paarl (061) 518 5320
BIEN DONNÉ MANOR HOUSE:
SPCA: 021 863 2720
Schools: Paarl girls high 021 872 1730

Paarl boys high 021 872 2875
La Rochelle Girls primary school 021 872 4371
Paarl Boys primary school 021 872 4651
Courtrai primary school 021 863 3220

Museum: 021 872 2651
Tourism 021 872 4842
Winelands Regional Tourism 023 348 2795

Paarl